Shocking parole release and immediate apology: Singer Kim Hojoong, who was convicted and imprisoned for a DUI hit-and-run, walked free on parole and posted a handwritten letter to fans, saying, "I'm truly sorry" and vowing to take responsibility and reflect.
On the 30th of last month, Kim shared a letter titled 'To the family I've missed' on his fan cafe, directly revealing his feelings after being released. He wrote, "It took me two years to write here again," adding, "I feel it once more—my wrongdoing is immense," as he bowed his head. He continued, "I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry," and pledged, "I will reflect more, look back, and set my heart straight again."
Kim emphasized responsibility over any joy of release. "Rather than letting the feelings of freedom and liberation from prison come first, I will spend the remainder of my sentence with greater responsibility and remorse," he said. He also vowed, "More than words, I will clearly see the situation I'm in now and live without going astray."
That morning, Kim was paroled from Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. His full-term release had been scheduled for November 24, but after passing the Ministry of Justice's parole review, he returned to society about five months early. Reporters and fans gathered outside the prison at the time of his release, but Kim left the scene in a vehicle without making a separate statement.
In May 2024, Kim was indicted for allegedly driving after drinking in the Apgujeong area of Gangnam-gu, Seoul, crossing the center line, colliding with an oncoming taxi, and then fleeing the scene. The controversy deepened when it emerged that his manager appeared at the police station in his place and the car's dashcam memory card had been removed—moves seen as an attempt to cover up the incident.
In the first trial, the court sentenced Kim to two years and six months in prison for charges including injury by dangerous driving under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. The same sentence was upheld on appeal, and after Kim withdrew his petition to the Supreme Court, the ruling became final.
Meanwhile, after his release, Kim returned home and is reportedly coordinating medical appointments related to ankle surgery. With his parole-backed return to society, all eyes are on whether Kim will prove his handwritten apology and pledges through future actions.